Seven times pollies blew enough cash for a new rescue tower

With the infamous "leaning tower" now closed, Marine Rescue volunteers no longer have a view over the dangerous Ballina bar, which means they will be unable to see if someone is in trouble but can't get to their radio.

Replacing the tower will cost a total of $2.1 million. The plans are done, the land is available and most of the money ie there - it's all just waiting on the final $450,000 - $550,000.

So far, the only level of government yet to come to the party is the Federal Government.

The Feds haven't chipped a cent for the Ballina Marine Rescue tower, but they have spent roughly the same amount the tower needs on some bizarre and possibly unnecessary things recently:

Australian Flag.Tom Huntley

1. FLAGS: Pollies spent $500,000 on flags in the last half of 2014.

Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard

2. OFFICE FIT-OUT: $450,000 to set up and fit out an Adelaide office for former prime minister Julia Gillard.

The new Australian Institute of Sport logo.

3. LOGO:A new logo for the largely government-funded agency, the Australian Institute of Sport, cost $500,000 in 2014. Pretty isn't it?

4. COFFEE CUPS: In 2013 the government helped fund a $360,000 grant for a Melbourne engineer designing a world-first coffee cup.